Drone mitigation methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for drone mitigation, or the deterrence of aerial drones from flying in an given area, are described. The systems and methods take advantage of the fact that destabilization of a drone can be accomplished by externally changing the performance of one or more of its propeller driven systems. In doing so, the drone is incapable of maintaining stability in flight, thereby causing the remote controlled pilot to force a retreat, or risk and result in a crash of the drone. Embodiments utilizing sonic energy and liquids are described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. provisionalpatent application 62/282,197, entitled “Drone Mitigation Methods andApparatus,” filed 25 Jul. 2015, the entire content of which applicationis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been considerable interest in the use ofvertical propeller driven unmanned vehicles, often referred to asdrones, to produce monitoring of ground-level activities from low ormoderate heights. This affords new insight and perspectives thatotherwise have remained hidden or obscured through other monitoringtechniques.

However there is also created a major problem with intrusion of thesedrones into areas where they do not belong. For example, drones flyingwithin the vicinity, at low heights, of private property, not onlyconstitute illegal trespass but also may be motivated by illegalsurveillance, or industrial espionage. The right to privacy, especiallyamong industrial concerns, has been violated unexpectedly with theadvent of drone technology.

Previous efforts to “mitigate” these drone intrusions have relied upondischarge of firearms, usually violating local governmental rules, orFAA regulations.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods for drone mitigation, or the deterrence of aerialdrones from flying in an given area, are described. The systems andmethods take advantage of the fact that destabilization of a drone canbe accomplished by externally changing the performance of one or more ofits propeller driven systems. In doing so, the drone is incapable ofmaintaining stability in flight, thereby causing the remote controlledpilot to force a retreat, or risk and result in a crash of the drone.Embodiments utilizing sonic energy and liquids are described.

These as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits,and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the followingdetailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanyingdrawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate allembodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead.Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save spaceor for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practicedwith additional components or steps and/or without all of the componentsor steps that are illustrated. When the same numeral appears indifferent drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a drone mitigation system in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a further embodiment of a drone mitigation system inaccordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments are now described. Other embodiments may beused in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessarymay be omitted to save space or for a more effective presentation. Someembodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/orwithout all of the components or steps that are described.

An aspect of this invention takes advantage of the fact thatdestabilization of a drone can be accomplished by externally changingthe performance of one or more of its propeller driven systems. In doingso, the drone is incapable of maintaining stability in flight, therebycausing the remote controlled pilot to force a retreat, or risk andresult in a crash of the drone.

One aspect of the invention utilizes a directional sonic device, e.g., asonic cannon, is pointed at and tracks the drone when it is within theproximity of roughly 50-250 feet of the device. This sonic deviceproduces a compression soundwave, which is either narrow in frequency,or broadband, such that it produces one or more resonant frequencies onthe drone propeller or propellers. In doing so it forces a flutter ofthe lift of one or more of the propellers, instantaneously producingdestabilization of flight. Such resonance may also occur at the motorand its support system, which can also accomplish or facilitatedestabilization.

The frequency coverage of the sonic cannon may be tailored to producemaximum destabilization of the propellers. And because of this, and itsdirectionality. Other objects, people, and things may not be disturbedin this mitigation process. Furthermore, at greater distances, the soniccompression wave will have sufficiently dissipated as to have nodeleterious effects on anything else within the airspace, such as birds,insects, planes, and so on.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a drone mitigation system 100 inaccordance with the present disclosure. System 100 can include an array102 of sound transducers (or, acoustic sources) 104(1)-(N). The array102 may be held by a suitable frame 106 or other structural support 106.The array 102 is operative to produce sound energy 108 sufficient todestabilize a drone 1 when that sound energy 108 is directed to thedrone 1 and the drone 1 is within close enough proximity. Referring tothe enlarged view of an individual rotor 2 of the drone 1, as describedabove, the sound energy 108 produces resonances 112 on and/or betweenthe individual blades (3-6) of rotor 2. The resonances 112 producewobble or deflection of the blades, as indicated by 114. This wobblingof the blades leads to instability of the drone 1. Control and poweringof the sound transducers 104(1)-(N) is provided by power and controlunit 110. Of course, the power and control functionalities can beprovided by separate units/apparatus, respectively. Power and controlunit 110 may also include functionality to direct the orientation of thearray 102.

For exemplary embodiments, ultrasonic sound energy may be utilized forthe array 102. In other embodiments, a long range acoustic device(“LRAD”) may be used for the array 102. For example, a LRAD 2000Xdevice, as made commercially available by the LRAD Corporation, may beused for the array 102; modifications can be made to further providedirectivity of the LRAD devices, such as by mountingdirectivity-enhancing structure (e.g., suitable diameter pipe or horn)over each individual transducer or group of transducers or the entirearray. Low-frequency sounds waves (infrasonic energy), e.g., below 100Hz, may also be utilized. Other suitable transducers (acoustic) sourcesare described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,999, the entire content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, exemplary embodiments can utilize atracking and detection functionality, e.g., as provided by tracking andcontrol unit 120. Such a tracking and control unit 120 is operative todetect drones and track them as they fly. Such tracking and detectionunits can track the drone(s) and direct the acoustic array to follow thedrone and/or direct acoustic energy (sound waves or Mach disk) in thedirection of the drone(s). As a person of ordinary skill in the artwould appreciate, such tracking and detection units can be based on thedetection of any suitable type of energy, e.g., radio or radar frequencyelectromagnetic (“RF”) energy, optical energy (e.g., infrared, visiblelight, and/or ultraviolet), and/or acoustic energy. RF-based trackingand control units can include, but are not limited to, methods and/orapparatus described in the following: (RF-based) U.S. Pat. Nos.9,268,008, 9,261,582, 9,239,379, 9,151,836, 9,075,143, and 9,030,351;(acoustic-based) U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,338,551, 5,570,094; and/or(optical-based, e.g., LIDAR-based) U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,111,444, 7,551,121,and 7,148,974; other suitable tracking and detection units may be used,as a person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate. Of course,the detection and tracking functionalities can be provided by separateunits/apparatus, respectively.

A second aspect of the invention also relies on destabilization of thepropeller the above-mentioned flutter. However rather than using soundwaves, the device constitutes a highly directional fluid flow, much likea squirt gun, that contains either non-Newtonian or viscous liquid. Uponimpacting the propeller or motor system, the lift of the propeller isseverely compromised, and or the counter torque on the rotor systembecomes appreciable, thereby either stopping or slowing down therotation of the propeller. Again this process also is capable ofproducing destabilization of flight.

FIG. 2 depicts a further embodiment of a drone mitigation system 200 inaccordance with the present disclosure. As shown, system 200 includes anozzle 202 directing the flow of a liquid 206. Liquid 206 is supplied bya fluid source (not shown) and with sufficient pressure (e.g., providedby a suitable pump) to direct liquid from the nozzle a suitabledistance, e.g., 50-250 feet, etc. Oil of a suitable viscosity may beused for exemplary embodiments, though any suitable liquid may be used.Though not shown, a suitable power and control unit may be employed forsystem 200, similar to as described for FIG. 1. Such power and controlunit may also include functionality to direct the orientation of thenozzle 202.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, a suitable tracking and detectionunit or units can be used for the embodiment of FIG. 2. As a person ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate, such tracking and detectionunits can be based on the detection of any suitable type of energy,e.g., radio or radar frequency electromagnetic (“RF”) energy, opticalenergy (e.g., infrared, visible light, and/or ultraviolet), and/oracoustic energy. RF-based tracking and control units can include, butare not limited to, methods and/or apparatus described in the following:(RF-based) U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,268,008, 9,261,582, 9,239,379, 9,151,836,9,075,143, and 9,030,351; (acoustic-based) U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,338,551,5,570,094; and/or (optical-based, e.g., LIDAR-based) U.S. Pat. Nos.9,111,444, 7,551,121, and 7,148,974; other suitable tracking anddetection units may be used, as a person of ordinary skill in the artwould appreciate. Of course, the detection and tracking functionalitiescan be provided by separate units/apparatus, respectively.

Unless otherwise indicated, the control operation of arrays/transducers,and liquids that have been discussed herein can be implemented with aspecially-configured computer system specifically configured to performthe functions that have been described herein for the component. Eachcomputer system includes one or more processors, tangible memories(e.g., random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), and/orprogrammable read only memories (PROMS)), tangible storage devices(e.g., hard disk drives, CD/DVD drives, and/or flash memories), systembuses, video processing components, network communication components,input/output ports, and/or user interface devices (e.g., keyboards,pointing devices, displays, microphones, sound reproduction systems,and/or touch screens).

Each computer system may be a desktop computer or a portable computer,such as a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, aPDA, a smartphone, or part of a larger system, such a vehicle,appliance, and/or telephone system. Each computer system may include oneor more computers at the same or different locations. When at differentlocations, the computers may be configured to communicate with oneanother through a wired and/or wireless network communication system.

Each computer system may include software (e.g., one or more operatingsystems, device drivers, application programs, and/or communicationprograms). When software is included, the software includes programminginstructions and may include associated data and libraries. Whenincluded, the programming instructions are configured to implement oneor more algorithms that implement one or more of the functions of thecomputer system, as recited herein. The description of each functionthat is performed by each computer system also constitutes a descriptionof the algorithm(s) that performs that function.

The software may be stored on or in one or more non-transitory, tangiblestorage devices, such as one or more hard disk drives, CDs, DVDs, and/orflash memories. The software may be in source code and/or object codeformat. Associated data may be stored in any type of volatile and/ornon-volatile memory. The software may be loaded into a non-transitorymemory and executed by one or more processors.

The components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages thathave been discussed are merely illustrative. None of them, or thediscussions relating to them, are intended to limit the scope ofprotection in any way. Numerous other embodiments are also contemplated.These include embodiments that have fewer, additional, and/or differentcomponents, steps, features, objects, benefits, and/or advantages. Thesealso include embodiments in which the components and/or steps arearranged and/or ordered differently.

For example, other transducers and frequencies of operation may thanthose described above may be used within the scope of the presentinvention. Likewise, other liquids that those described above may beused within the scope of the present invention.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions,magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in thisspecification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, notexact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistentwith the functions to which they relate and with what is customary inthe art to which they pertain.

All articles, patents, patent applications, and other publications thathave been cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference.

The phrase “means for” when used in a claim is intended to and should beinterpreted to embrace the corresponding structures and materials thathave been described and their equivalents. Similarly, the phrase “stepfor” when used in a claim is intended to and should be interpreted toembrace the corresponding acts that have been described and theirequivalents. The absence of these phrases from a claim means that theclaim is not intended to and should not be interpreted to be limited tothese corresponding structures, materials, or acts, or to theirequivalents.

The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow.That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as isconsistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in theclaims when interpreted in light of this specification and theprosecution history that follows, except where specific meanings havebeen set forth, and to encompass all structural and functionalequivalents.

Relational terms such as “first” and “second” and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another, withoutnecessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or orderbetween them. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and any othervariation thereof when used in connection with a list of elements in thespecification or claims are intended to indicate that the list is notexclusive and that other elements may be included. Similarly, an elementproceeded by an “a” or an “an” does not, without further constraints,preclude the existence of additional elements of the identical type.

None of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails tosatisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act,nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended coverage ofsuch subject matter is hereby disclaimed. Except as just stated in thisparagraph, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended orshould be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step,feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public,regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

The abstract is provided to help the reader quickly ascertain the natureof the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, various features in the foregoing detaileddescription are grouped together in various embodiments to streamlinethe disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted asrequiring claimed embodiments to require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing onits own as separately claimed subject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sound-based drone mitigation systemcomprising: an array of sonic transducers operative to produce sonicenergy sufficient to cause resonances on the blades of a rotor; and acontrol and power unit operative to supply energy to the sonictransducers and direct the array in a desired direction.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the sonic energy is ultrasonic energy.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the sonic energy is infrasonic energy.
 4. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a tracking and detection unit operativeto detect and track a drone, wherein the control and power unit isoperative to receive signals from the tracking and detection unit anddirect the array of sonic transducers in the direction of the droneduring flight.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the tracking anddetection unit is RF-based.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein thetracking and detection unit is optical-based.
 7. The system of claim 4,wherein the tracking and detection unit is acoustic-based.